St Thomas' Parish Willoughby was established in 1928. Both Church and School utilised the still existing Hall for classes and Masses.
Willoughby grew from its Chatswood Parish parent.
Monsignor Richard Darby was the first Parish Priest and responsible for building the existing church in 1961.
The church was consecrated by Cardinal Gilroy on 11 June 1961 as "St Thomas' War Memorial Church".
In recent years, Willoughby has become a thriving and growing Parish. There has been an enormous infusion of young families and young married couples. Baptisms have almost doubled in the past 10 years. Demographically 45% of the Parish is under the age of 25. This is a recent change and a reflection the parish is undergoing change, growth and renewal.
An oft made comment is that the parish has retained its warm, happy and village 'feel' with an accompanying sense of welcome and belonging.
